Jamaicans urged to donate blood in preparation for CWC
THE National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is urging the public to donate more blood in order to assist in meeting its required goal of 4,000 units, in preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC), which starts next month.
Director of the NBTS Dr Lundie Richards told JIS News that with the March 15 deadline to meet a substantial part of the goal fast approaching, there was further need for persons to “step up to the crease” to ensure that the blood bank is fully stocked throughout the event, as well as ensure its ability to deal with any crises that may occur.
He said in a bid to motivate persons to come out to donate blood, the NBTS will be airing public service announcements, using Jamaican cricketer, Gareth Breese, as a spokesperson. “We are trying to put together some incentives and this will be made public soon,” he said.
In addition to the incentives, Dr Richards said the NBTS hoped to attain its goal by increasing the base of its donors. “We have approached a number of entities including the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), who started their campaign on February 20 at Up Park Camp,” he said.
Said Dr Richards: “I am pretty confident that we will reach our target because I know that our people love to give and by putting in the necessary work and also the necessary incentives, we will reach our target.”